Everton's Euro hopes dashed by draw at Stoke

May 1, 2010 - 6:43 PM By CHRIS TUPLING STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Everton's hopes of gate-crashing the European places are over after David Moyes' side were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Stoke on Saturday.

Phil Jagielka's second-half effort ruled out after Victor Anichebe strayed offside was the closest the eighth-placed Toffees came to scoring a goal that would have prolonged their Europa League bid.

Everton, without the injured Stephen Pienaar, enjoyed the bulk of possession and created more chances but could not find a way past Stoke's stubborn rearguard action.

Despite extending their unbeaten run to a club record ten Premier League games the Toffees have no chance of leapfrogging neighbours Liverpool into seventh spot.

Manager Moyes said: "Obviously we are disappointed not to win because it means we can no longer qualify for Europe.

"It was always going to be a tall order because we had to come back from so many points behind.

"I have seen the goal on the replays and it is difficult to say for certain that Victor is interfering with play. It is a grey area and we have paid the price for it.

"This is a difficult place to come because Stoke give nothing away, especially at home. We had more of the ball but struggled to break them down."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis was looking for a response from his side following last weekend's 7-0 thrashing at Chelsea.

The Potters created the best chance of a drab first half when Ricardo Fuller shot tamely into Tim Howard's arms after latching onto Mama Sidibe's flick.

The home side felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Mikel Arteta shoved Glenn Whelan but referee Howard Webb waved away their appeals.

Everton striker Anichebe inadvertently kept out the visitors' best effort of the opening 45 minutes when he blocked Leighton Baines' goal bound shot.

Stoke should have gone in front moments after half time when Rory Delap blazed Matt Etherington's cross wide from 12 yards with the goal at his mercy.

Everton had their own shout for a penalty when Anichebe appeared to be tripped by Ryan Shawcross but again Webb was not impressed.

The Toffees thought they had snatched a priceless win after Jagielka headed home from Arteta's corner 18 minutes from time.

The eagle-eyed officials spotted Anichebe was standing in an offside position in front of a relieved Howard.

Potters boss Pulis was delighted with the way his side bounced back from their Stamford Bridge humiliation.

Pulis said: "It was great response because Everton are a real top team.

"We played well today. It was real open game, they have good strength and good players who can play. It was a great result.

"Their record since Christmas is as good as anyone; we were playing a form team. It was going to be really tough and the response was fantastic.

"If you take the Chelsea game away we have been as good as anyone away. We had our backslides slapped last week but they are one of the best teams in the world."